Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)
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Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach.

I refer to the provision of funding for two bridges in County Donegal, Tyrconnell Bridge in Donegal town and the nearby Fintra Bridge. I acknowledge that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, met a delegation from Donegal municipal district at the end of February, for which I thank him. Both bridges are in a poor state of repair and in need of immediate attention.

Tyrconnell Bridge is located in the centre of Donegal town. It is an old railway bridge and its construction dates back to 1895. It is vital in that it links one part of the town with the other. Unfortunately, it is in a very dangerous state and deteriorating day by day. Donegal County Council carried out a structural survey in 2000, at which point it reduced the load bearing capacity of the bridge to 7.5 tonnes. Twelve years later, owing to ongoing concerns about the deteriorating construction of the bridge, another survey was conducted by the council, as a result of which the load bearing capacity was reduced to 3.5 tonnes. It is probably the case that the construction of the bridge has got even worse since. As I am sure the Minister of State can appreciate, trying to police vehicles traversing the bridge to ensure they are under 3.5 tonnes is a task in itself. It is dangerous. When the repairs are completed, there will be the normal load bearing capacity of approximately 40 tonnes. The council has progressed the issue as far as it can from its own resources and is now seeking funding which could be spread over three years.

Fintra Bridge provides a vital link between the towns of Killybegs, Kilcar, Carrick and Glencolmcille. It is located on the Wild Atlantic Way and a vital piece of infrastructure. It also provides a link with Slieve League, one of the country's premier tourist attractions which last year was visited by over 185,000 people, and with Glencolmcille Folk Park. It is, therefore, of national significance. It is, however, in a poor state or repair. It is so narrow in parts that two vehicles cannot pass each other and numerous accidents have been recorded. As a result, there are tailbacks which are a road traffic hazard and create their own dangers. Using its own resources, Donegal County Council has advanced the project to the point where funding is needed to enable it to be put out to tender.

For the two projects, a figure of €2 million has been mentioned which, I understand, could be provided on a phased based over a three-year period. These are two vital pieces of infrastructure, but, currently, they are hazards and a danger to the public. The last thing we want to see happen is an accident on both. I earnestly request the Department to seriously consider providing funding for both projects as soon as possible.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Senator for raising this matter which I am taking on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, who answered an oral question on 22 March on the same issue. I am happy to restate the position.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including bridges, in Donegal and other counties are the statutory responsibility of the local authority, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.Works on those roads are funded from the council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. Department officials and the Minister, Deputy Ross, met with a delegation from Donegal County Council on 27 February 2017 to discuss Fintra Bridge and Tyrconnell Bridge in Donegal.

Fintra Bridge is located on the R263 between Killybegs and Kilcar. It is understood from Donegal County Council that the issue with this bridge is alignment related. It is structurally sound but is restrictive in width and is located on a bend. Part 8 planning approval is in place for a new bridge and associated realignment of approaches and the cost of this is likely to be in the region of €1.5 million. Given the challenging financial climate, the specific improvement grants scheme, under which this scheme would previously have been considered, has been curtailed in recent years in order to maximise the funding available for repair and strengthening work.

Tyrconnell Bridge is a four span steel bridge supported by cut stone piers spanning 29 m across the Eske River at Tyrconnell Street, Donegal town. A number of structural reports were carried out on the bridge in 2000, 2008 and 2012. A study in 2013 concluded that the bridge will continue to deteriorate and will result in the closure of the bridge in the coming years. The council reported that a full-deck replacement is needed. On 12 October 2016, Donegal County Council submitted its application to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for the 2017 bridge rehabilitation programme. Tyrconnell Bridge was not among the bridges prioritised for funding in the 2017 application. No application in respect of this bridge was received by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for either 2016 or for 2015. Following the meeting with the council, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is awaiting further information from Donegal County Council in respect of both Tyrconnell and Fintra Bridges. The Minister, Deputy Ross, will fully review the position in respect of both of the bridges when that information is received.

Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State for his response on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross. I understand that the Department is awaiting further information from Donegal County Council which is being worked on currently and should be with the Minister very shortly. I hope and trust that when that information is forthcoming that serious consideration will be given to funding these two vital pieces of infrastructure in Donegal in the interests of road safety and in the interests of the continuing economic and social development of Donegal.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will certainly relay the Senator's message back to the Minister. As he said quite correctly, the Minister did meet with representatives from Donegal and with officials in the Department. He is aware of the scale of the problem, and he is now awaiting Donegal County Council to submit its priorities and plans for the two bridges. I hope that when the time comes he will look at it favourably for Donegal.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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The next on my list is Senator Paul Gavan, but I believe that there are some logistical difficulties. I am informed that if Senator Gavan lets Senator Lawless go first he might be dealt with then. If not, I will be disappointed.

Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein)
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No problem.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I must apologise to Senator Gavan. There has been a mix-up. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy McEntee, is outside, but she has not been given a script. If the Senator defers this matter, I will give it priority another day.

Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein)
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Absolutely.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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It is not appropriate, and I have complained to the Department about the issue, but at this stage we can do nothing. If the Senator resubmits the matter, I will try to prioritise it for the next occasion.

Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein)
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I appreciate that, a Chathaoirligh.